Archbishop Gregory Holley

Another Look at Ministry Through the Eyes of John Wesley

John Wesley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Wesley
Born	June 28, 1703 Epworth, Lincolnshire, England
Died	March 2, 1791 (aged 87)
Nationality	British
Education	Charterhouse School Christ Church, Oxford
Occupation	Preacher and theologian
Net worth	about 30 current USD at time of death
Known for	Founder of the Methodist movement
Religious beliefs	Christian (Anglican and Methodist)
Spouse(s)	Mary Wesley (née Vazeille)
Parents	Samuel & Susanna Wesley

 

John Wesley (28 June 1703 – 2 March 1791) was an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, with founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield. In contrast to George Whitefield's Calvinism (which later led to the forming of the Calvinistic Methodists), Wesley embraced Arminianism. Methodism in both forms was a highly successful evangelical movement in the United Kingdom, which encouraged people to experience Christ personally.

Wesley helped to organise and form societies throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland; small groups that developed intensive, personal accountability, discipleship and religious instruction among members. His great contribution was to appoint itinerant, unordained preachers who travelled widely to evangelise and care for people in the societies. Young men who acted as their assistants were called "exhorters" who functioned in a similar fashion to the twelve apostles after the ascension of Jesus.^{[citation needed]}

Under Wesley's direction, Methodists became leaders in many social justice issues of the day, including the prison reform and abolitionism movements. Wesley's contribution as a theologian was to propose a system of opposing theological stances. His greatest theological achievement was his promotion of what he termed "Christian Perfection", or holiness of heart and life. Wesley held that, in this life, Christians could come to a state in which the love of God, or perfect love, reigned supreme in their hearts. His evangelical theology, especially his understanding of Christian perfection, was firmly grounded in his sacramental theology. He continually insisted on the general use of the means of grace (prayer, scripture, meditation, Holy Communion, etc.) as the means by which God sanctifies and transforms the believer.

Throughout his life, Wesley remained within the Church of England and insisted that his movement was well within the bounds of the Anglican tradition. His maverick use of church policy put him at odds with many within the Church of England, though toward the end of his life he was widely respected.

The Cloak of Twelve Monkeys by Gayla Holley

 

I dreamed I saw a cloak and it had 12 monkey heads sticking out of it.  These monkeys were alive and their bodies were hidden underneath the cloak.  Only their heads were showing. 

They were acting as a pathway. As an open channel.

If something occurred that these monkeys could affect, they took charge and caused trouble.

The pathways were well established and a different monkey was connected to each pathway.

The 12 human attributes that the monkeys were working through were named,

1 Pain

2 Impatience

3 Instability

4 Insecurity

5 Self justification

6 Impudence

7 Loose talk

8 Frustration over lack of control

9 Reliving past hurts

10 Tolerance of inadequacy

11 Ignorance

12 Immorality

These avenues once accessed caused major spiritual upheavals to the human and loss of spiritual ground.  Causing the soul to once again have to start over and rebuild their personal spiritual development, relationships with others and their reputation before others many times.

Take off the robe of fleshly behaviors and put on the mind of Christ.  Keep it firmly intact and refuse the admittance of carnal reactions to these 12 human attributes

I dreamed I saw a cloak and it had 12 monkey heads sticking out of it.  These monkeys were alive and their bodies were hidden underneath the cloak.  Only their heads were showing. 

They were acting as a pathway. As an open channel.

If something occurred that these monkeys could affect, they took charge and caused trouble.

The pathways were well established and a different monkey was connected to each pathway.

The 12 human attributes that the monkeys were working through were named,

1 Pain

2 Impatience

3 Instability

4 Insecurity

5 Self justification

6 Impudence

7 Loose talk

8 Frustration over lack of control

9 Reliving past hurts

10 Tolerance of inadequacy

11 Ignorance

12 Immorality

These avenues once accessed caused major spiritual upheavals to the human and loss of spiritual ground.  Causing the soul to once again have to start over and rebuild their personal spiritual development, relationships with others and their reputation before others many times.

Take off the robe of fleshly behaviors and put on the mind of Christ.  Keep it firmly intact and refuse the admittance of carnal reactions to these 12 human attributes

Arthur Peter, Missionary Extraordainaire!

 I met Arthur in a side room at a a sparsely attended conference in Las Vegas at a Golf Resort some years ago. I had walked into a discussion chaired by my friend and mentor Jim Davis of David Ministries. As I sat down Jim focused questions on Missionary Work in this era to me! This wonderful, young Missionary to the Philippines asked a question.  I was so intrigued a sowed a small seed into him at the conference and have followed him ever since with the anticipation of God's great use of his wisdom and zeal! Please go to Flower and Arthur's web address and after you have enjoyed sharing the vision, send them a gift to help in the work! 

www.touchingthenations.com               On arrival in the Philippines (April 2005), my wife, Flower, and I, Arthur Peter, have just started to work as missionaries in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines having worked previously as missionaries for two years in Japan (2002-2004). We have found a building in which to start the ministry, and moved to our new location April 2005. Not long after moving, we started our first church plant - House of Prayer.

www.teachingthenations.com

 

 

      Now 2 years later April 2007 the Lord has blessed the church with growth and brought disciples on our path. Now it is time to enter into phase 3 where we start discipling people who want to enter into full time ministry. We are excited about what God is doing in our midst and our looking forward to the final phase where we start sending the native disciples out to start their church plant. However, this will not be before finishing the discipling period of about 4 years. 

---

THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to study the
scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon
a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:3)"

One lady proposed to visit a silversmith, and report to them on what he
said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the
object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell her about the
process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But Sir, do you sit
while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eyes
steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining
be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression,
"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it needful to
put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work
of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best
manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us
be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "When do you know
the process is complete?"

"Why, that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see
my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

-- Author Unknown --

Is Your State Listed?

Alabama   1901, Preamble  
We the people of the State of  

Alabama

  , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..  

Alaska

  1956, Preamble   We, the people of  

Alaska

  , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.  

Arizona

  1911, Preamble   We, the people of the State of  

Arizona

  , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...  

Arkansas

  1874, Preamble   We, the people of the State of  

Arkansas

  , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...  

California

  1879, Preamble   We, the People of the State of  

California

  , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...  

Colorado

  1876, Preamble   We, the people of  

Colorado

  , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...  

Connecticut

  1818, Preamble.   The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in  permitting them to enjoy.  

Delaware

  1897, Preamble   Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...  

Florida

  1885, Preamble   We, the people of the State of  

Florida

  , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...  
Georgia 1777, Preamble   We, the people of  

Georgia

  , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...  

Hawaii

  1959, Preamble   We , the people of  

Hawaii

  , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.  

Idaho

  1889, Preamble   We, the people of the State of  

Idaho

  , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.  
Illinois 1870, Preamble   We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.  
Indiana 1851, Preamble   We, the People of the State of  

Indiana

  , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.  
Iowa   1857, Preamble   We, the People of the St ate of   Iowa   , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.  

Kansas

  1859, Preamble   We, the people of  

Kansas

  , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.  

Kentucky

  1891, Preamble..   We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..  
Louisiana   1921, Preamble   We, the people of the State of   Louisiana   , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.  
Maine   1820, Preamble   We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.  

Maryland

  1776, Preamble   We, the people of the state of  

Maryland

  , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...  
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble   We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction  
Michigan 1908, Preamble .   We, the people of the State of  

Michigan

  , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.  
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble   We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:  
Mississippi 1890, Preamble   We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.  

Missouri

  1845, Preamble   We, the people of  

Missouri

  , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... Establish this Constitution...  

Montana

  1889, Preamble.   We, the people of  

Montana

  , grateful to Almighty God for the   blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska

  1875, Preamble   We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.  

Nevada

  1864, Preamble   We the people of the State of  

Nevada

  , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...  

New Hampshire

  1792,   Part   I.   Art. I. Sec. V   Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.  
New Jersey 1844, Preamble   We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.  

New Mexico

  1911, Preamble   We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..  

New York

  1846, Preamble   We, the people of the State of  

New York

, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.  
  North Carolina 1868, Preamble   We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...  
North Dakota 1889, Preamble   We , the people of  

North Dakota

, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...  

Ohio

  1852, Preamble   We the people of the state of  

Ohio

, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.  

Oklahoma

  1907, Preamble   Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this  

Oregon

  1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2.   All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences  
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble   We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....  
Rhode Island   1842, Preamble.   We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...  

South Carolina

, 1778, Preamble   We, the people of he State of

South Carolina

  grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.  

South Dakota

  1889, Preamble   We, the people of  

South Dakota

, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...  

Tennessee

  1796, Art. XI..III.   That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...  

Texas

  1845, Preamble   We the People of the  

Republic

  of  

Texas

, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.  

Utah

  1896, Preamble   Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.  

Vermont

  1777, Preamble   Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..  
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI   Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other  
Washington 1889, Preamble   We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution 
West Virginia 1872, Preamble   Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ....  

Wisconsin

1848, Preamble   We, the people of

Wisconsin

, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...  
Wyoming   1890, Preamble   We, the people of the State of   Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...   
   

Gregory Lee, Listen to me!!!

My mother's voice rings from the kitchen this morning although she has been with Jesus for many years.  "Gregory Lee, listen to me, it's time to get up and go to church!"  The admonition, "listen to me," was an instructional integral portion of her vernacular.  With six kids and a stray or two floating in and out of the house she felt she had to get your attention and that you were somehow ignoring her words. So just to make sure she punctuated everything with , "listen to me!"

Children have a history of not listening to parents.  It seems to be a vocational hazard of parenthood.  Until your voice is raised and the sternness within  rises up the child does not listen. The weakness was in my generation and has become paralytic in this modern generation.

Focused upon self interests.  Deriving pleasure from narrow ranges of knowledge induced by video games or cell phones it seems no one is listening to anyone anymore.  We listen long enough to gather information to move on with our agenda.  We listen long enough to voice an opinion.

If you interrupted the old folk they would say, "Listen to me!"  Their authority lived within there longevity upon the earth. The respect for them was because they were older.  The obedience was that of submission to those that had the rule over you.

The most potent change today is the fact that parents have ceased to be parents and believe it is their duty to become their children's friends. Best friends that is. The competition is on rival friends, teachers, superstars and media.  So the parent seeks to have the child listen by becoming friends.

The loss of objectivity in this modern scenario is one of the probable causes of the loss of respect for Jesus Christ.  He is our friend.  He is our savior. But He is to be Lord in our lives.

When the Apostle Peter is praying in the 4th chapter of the Book of Acts in the Holy Bible he uses two words to help us in this distinction.  He calls out to the "Lord" to 'stretch out his hand' through the Lord's "holy servant Jesus."  Confused?  No need to be.

He cries out to God the Father as Lord.  My father taught me the Greek word for this was 'despotes' or absolute ruler.  Peter saw the eternal fatherhood of God as the absolute ruler.  Is Father God the absolute ruler of your life?  The 'outstretched hand' was the right hand of supernatural authority and was to be extended through the name of Jesus.  Still confused?  No need to be...

Peter says this miracles would be done through the "name of your holy servant Jesus."  The Greek word for servant is 'diakonos'  or the 'assisting' Jesus.  Now it comes clear.  Hear what the Spirit has to to say to the hearer.  The absolute ruler is not our childhood friend,  not our buddy, buddy, nor our shopping mate.  The absolute ruler has, according to the Holy Bible, Jesus at the right hand of his authority, ready to stretch out his hand and bring forth supernatural victory for you at this wonderful moment.

What a friend we have in Jesus...  These are the words to the song but if we listen to the miracle workers of the New Testament it should say these words. "What an assisting Jesus we have who is ready to do all things!!  He is authorized to bring you an outstretched hand of blessing this day!

"Gregory Lee, listen to me!"  Yes , mama, I'm coming!   uh, and listening!

Final Plays

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Praying our Lord's Prayer will always be the duty of the believer.  To increase our faith in the midst of troubled times we are directed to keep our eyes upon the Father, praising His name, desiring His Kingdom to come. He will supply all we have need of as He forgives our debts we forgive those who are indebted to us. Never forgetting to seek deliverance from temptation and He will deliver us from evil. He is the Kingdom and we are the inhabitants of the same.

While Holy Scripture plays out before our eyes may we ever remember we are the sheep of His pasture, loved and cared for. For sobering context of the signs of the times I have come across a portion of a film made from the research of weapons of mass destruction.

On July 16, 1945, at a site called Trinity, a plutonium bomb was assembled and brought to the top of a tower.The bomb was detonated, producing an intense flash and a fireball that expanded to 600 meters in two seconds. The explosive power was equivalent to 18.6 kilotons of TNT. It grew to a height of more than 12 kilometers, boiling up in the shape of a mushroom. Forty seconds later, the blast of air from the bomb reached the observation bunkers, along with a long and deafening roar of sound. And so began the ATOMIC AGE...

  "Trinity and Beyond" is an unsettling yet visually fascinating documentary presenting the history of the design, development, production and testing of nuclear weapons between 1945 until 1963.

 

 

 I would like to introduce to you a great America Bible Scholar.  Dr. Ned Hicks has created one of the most industrious methods of reaching into the Prison system. With almost 6000 students enrolled in correspondence courses this amazing soldier of the cross epitomizes the pioneering spirit.  Dr. Gayla and I will be visiting with him at the home of the College in Spur, Texas and it will be a time to remember!  The following is a testimony from Dr. Hicks concerning the history and status of this schoolastic effort. Enjoy!

In 1992, when our small congregation was less than one year old, we decided to undertake a small prison ministry at the local privately owned prison.

We provided the inmates with a Bible correspondence course, authored by our pastor and based on the GOSPEL OF JOHN. It was an advanced course which he had written while serving as president of AMERICAN SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE in North Carolina a number of years earlier.

When the inmates were transfered from this prison to a number of units here in Texas, this arm of outreach started to grow. It was immediately discovered that this course was too indepth for many of those wanting to enroll.

Mrs. Dorris Cook, one of the ladies in our congregation undertook writing a basic course based on the GOSPEL OF MARK and our pastor added some notes in the exams to help explain what the student was reading. Later another lady, Mrs. Marilyn Taylor authored a second study for new Christians and new students to Bible correspondence study based on the GOSPEL OF MATTHEW.

Today we offer eight different courses... with the exception of the above two, all were authored by our pastor and all are more indepth. They are MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, ACTS, ROMANS, REVELATION, and THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST. In order to proceed from the JOHN course forward, students must maintain a 90% or higher grade average.

Unlike so many courses offered to men and women in prison, these are not multiple choice or true or false questions, but require the student to read and answer summary type questions. Many students tell us they learn more from our courses than any other they have taken.

Recommended by such organizations as the BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION, the ministry of Chaplain Ray, as well as a number of others, today we have over 5,360 students in state, federal, and private prisons in forty-three states and the District of Columbia.This small congregation spends in excess of twelve thousand dollars
annually for postage and equal amount in the printing of lessons.

In addition to the Bible lessons, each mailing also includes our weekly REMINDER, a poem -- most of which were written by our pastor -- and often one of our Sunday bulletins. A Birthday card and Christmas card are also mailed to our students with a personal message written in each one from our pastor.

If you know of those incarcerated whom you believe would be interested in our studies, send their name and complete mailing address and we will be happy to enroll them. We also pay the postage for our students to return the exams as the vast majority of the men and women taking our studies are indigent.

Your prayers and financial assistance would be most appreciated and will insure that we never have to turn anyone away who asks to be enrolled. You may click on PayPal and make a donation, charging it to your credit card, or mail your check to the address shown on the home page.

Please remember all of our students and their loved ones in prayer as well as our faithful instructors who volunteer their time to grade the lessons.